Best “Washington” Gifts Available in Tri-Cities (for Out-of-State Relatives)

It’s an idea that can be mass purchased for everyone on your list. Not all states are as blessed with options as Washington; be grateful. I came from Salt Lake City where we send salt water taffy or the newest low-budget Mormon-themed movie. I guess there’s also fish food made from brine shrimp in the Great Salt Lake. So rejoice in your options and take a cue from us at 98.3 THE KEY. Here are our top 10 favorite gifts people outside of Washington would love to receive:

Gift Ideas

1. Apples

Duh. It’s No. 1 on our list because it’s the easiest. There are also several options to choose from so you can try to find the best price. When I lived in Utah, I got these from my aunt in Richland nearly every year. The downside is they’re not hard to come by. In the words of Peter Boyle when Ray Romano signs his “Everybody Loves Raymond” parents up for Fruit-of-the-Month Club: “We can’t go out and get our own fruit?”

Flickr, James Williams

2. Wine

Flickr, deplaqer

Located in Prosser, Chukar got a lot of votes from our staff, partly because they have such a wide variety to choose from. In fact, it got so many votes the only thing keeping it from being No. 1 on our list is you’ll have to explain where it’s from.

Flickr, Taste of Savoie

4. Northwest Smoked Salmon

When people think of the Columbia River they think Lewis & Clark and salmon. What did Lewis and Clark see while floating through the Tri-Cities area? Natives smoking salmon. After apples, nothing says Eastern Washington like pink fish. There are several options; we suggest shopping at MadeInWashington.com.

Flickr, Jessica F. gesika22

5. Cougar Gold Cheese

Flickr, Shutter Bug Chef

This Kennewick business sells a wide variety of holiday-themed treats made locally. This is a great idea for children, but everyone likes food and candy.

Flickr, Working Wise

7. Chocolate

Boehm’s Candies were my father’s favorite Christmas gift. The factory is in Issaquah but there is a store in Richland. Seattle Chocolates are also popular, and let’s be honest, Seattle is the only place in Washington other Americans can find on a map. The Tri-Cities are Yakima, Spokane and Tacoma, right?

Flickr, Ekim Altunigne

8. Applets and Cotlets

Liberty Orchards in Cashmere, Washington, is world famous… if you’re a fan of applets and cotlets. During the factory tour they claim to send product around the world. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know I love to say those two words, and I’d rather not share a box.

Flickr, calypso Dragon 13

Made from the ash of the volcano. The company has a variety of tree ornaments. If you can’t afford to send an original Chihuly, this stuff is good too. The studio was forced to close recently, so who’s to say it won’t become as rare and famous as Dale’s work?

Flickr, A Storybook Life

Left out in the cold:

Two ideas that did not make our list, but should have: anything from Allied Arts Association in Richland and wreaths made from local materials. The Allied Arts Gallery has knit items, bags, jewelry, glassware, pottery, thumb pianos and more. Staff at 98.3 THE KEY claim to have purchased wreaths made from local hops or vines, but I couldn’t find any online. It’s a great idea and should be pursued if you can find someone selling them.

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